GRAN CANARIA · CANARY ISLANDS
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Gran Canaria — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
Cruise off Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria for dolphin and whale watching, then cool off at Taurito with snorkeling and a swim slide.
Most Popular“Very impressed with how many languages the guide could speak fluently and also the efforts and hard work of the crew and knowledge about the ocean and wildlife”
Poema del Mar skip-the-line ticket in Gran Canaria: 35 ecosystems, the curved window, Deep Sea, El Veril, and a 400,000L cylinder tank.
“Me and my husband had a lovely time, lots to see and do plus there were regular stops to stop and eat at there cafes/ restaurants.”
A 40-minute Golden Shark submarine tour in Puerto de Mogán, down to 25 metres, passing shipwrecks with a 9-language audio guide.
“A fascinating experience. Very well managed and presented.”
30-minute camel ride through Maspalomas sand dunes on a comfy 2-seater saddle with Sahawari guides. Insurance included from $21.
“Lovely ride on the cammels, you can tell these cammels are well looked after compared to other tour places.”
Visit Banana World in Gran Canaria for a guided banana-farm tour in an 1804 restored house, with tastings and banana-based products.
“Fantastic experience! The tour was short at 40 minutes but it was really informative, lots of time for questions, and tasters at the end and the gift shop were great. The only thing I wish is that there was an easy shuttle over to it. We stayed in Puerto Rico, so it took about an…”
Guided banana farm tour at Hacienda La ReKompensa with views, 13 banana types, and tastings of jams, wines, and more in 40 minutes.
“Learned lots about bananas, great tour guide, highly recommended”
2.5-hour dolphin cruise off Gran Canaria on Spirit of the Sea: glass-bottom views, expert ID, and a free return voucher if none.
“The boat experience was perfect, the crew was very fun and helpful and we saw dolphins ❤️ It was magical 🤗”
2.5-hour dolphin and whale cruise from Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria. Close sightings, live guide, photo stops, and an on-board bar.
“Over all, this was a very good experience. Boats can be a bit crowded but this one was OK. We saw flying fish and a fin whale (aka a common rorqual), the second longest whale after the blue whale. I would recommend the company then, as staff were helpful and courteous, and it was good…”
Guided 2-hour buggy tour through Gran Canaria’s south, from Ayagaures Valley to Fataga views. Safety-first fun from Maspalomas.
“10/10 experience. My wife and I were looking for something fun and different to do and this did just that! Straight forward pick up to the start location where the team made the safety brief funny and interesting! The actual buggy tour was fantastic, don’t expect it to all be off road because in reality…”
A full 8-hour guided bus tour across Gran Canaria’s north, with free time in Arucas and Firgas, canyon panoramas, Tejeda views, and aloe.
“An amazing trip! Couldn’t recommend enough, you have the chance to see a different side to Gran Canaria. Amazing small towns and brilliant view points! Your guide was very friendly and informative. Bonus points to the coach driver for being able to traverse the mountain roads!”
Ride gentle horses through Gran Canaria’s volcanic hills for 1–2 hours, with optional hotel transfers and big views of Maspalomas dunes.
“It was great! We absolutely enjoyed the walk! P.S. it would be great addition if the guides took some pictures of all of us during the trip and send the link afterwards.”
Palmitos Park near Maspalomas pairs dolphin and birds-of-prey shows with exotic animals and gardens, plus big mountain views for a full day.
“bird show, dolphin show very good, photos taken lovely but a bit pricey at 34 euros for 4, family had a lovely day”
Thrilling, family-friendly water park in Maspalomas with 40+ slides, a kid zone, and optional sea lion encounters. Practical tips included.
“Perfect day so worth the money arrive at 945 tickets scanned and stayed till close face recognition for buying photo *****”
Cocodrilo Park Zoo in Agüimes, Gran Canaria. $11 entry to see rescued animals, Europe’s biggest alligator exhibit, and feeding shows.
“We had a lovely time visiting the animals. The place is beautifully designed,leaving enough space for the animals to comfortably live. It is not such a big place so a few hours are enough to visit it calmly. I would go again, had a great time!”
Off-road jeep tour of South Gran Canaria: Roque Noblo views, Lake Chira, Tirajana coffee stop, and the Valley of Thousand Palms.
“It was such a great experience!! Strongly recommend.”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
